Abilene rodeo receives nationwide award
Abilene, Kan. (September 30, 2026) – The Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo in Abilene has won the 2026 Women’s Pro Rodeo Association (WPRA) Large Rodeo of the Year Award.
The WPRA made the announcement on September 30.
The award is given to PRCA rodeos in the large category, which includes rodeos with $10,000 – $24,999 added per event.
The Abilene rodeo was recognized for a variety of reasons, said rodeo chairman Matt Farson, including its hospitality, added money, and updates to the arena.
“Contestants felt like they were welcome (at the rodeo),” he said. “Everybody tells them, ‘Thanks for coming, make sure you get something to eat.’ Everybody is kind.”
Farson also noted that prize money has increased 150 percent in four years, going from $4,000 in 2022 to $10,000 this year, thanks to sponsors. And contestants also noted the improvements in and around the arena.
“Rawhide Portable Corrals provided us the new arena, sorting pens, roping boxes and a new chute,” Farson said. “And Lumber House donated and built the Lumber House Loft and the Gold Buckle Deck,” for fans. “The WPRA recognizes that we are trying to improve our rodeo.”
The award validates the hard work the rodeo committee and volunteers put in, he said.
“When you love rodeo as much as this committee does, everybody shows up and works. It’s a really special deal.
“When I became chairman in 2022, I never dreamt anything like this could happen. We just wanted to keep a pro rodeo in Abilene.”
The award will be presented in Las Vegas during the WPRA Awards Banquet at the South Point Casino on Dec. 3. Committee members will be in attendance to accept the award.
The 2027 Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo will be held August 3-6.
For more information, visit WildBillHickokRodeo.com
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The Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo in Abilene, Kansas has been awarded the WPRA’s 2026 Large Rodeo of the Year Award. The committee will accept the award at the WPRA banquet on Dec. 3 in Las Vegas. Courtesy photo.
